Pakistan Bans Two Popular Video Games Over Controversy

Pakistan has banned two popular video games over a controversy. Several shop owners complained that the video games portray the Middle Eastern country as a breeding ground for terrorists.

War-themed games Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Medal of Honor: Warfighter show Pakistan, as well as the country’s prime intelligence agency, as supporting al Qaeda and jihadi organizations.

Fox News reports that both games are ones where the player gets to shoot enemies. As a result of the ban, the controversial games were removed from shelves countrywide.

The move was made after the All Pakistan CD, DVD, Audio Cassette Traders and Manufacturers Association (APCDACTM) sent out a circular to boycott both games. It is written in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. When translated, it reads:

“The Association has always boycotted these types of films and games. These [games] have been developed against the country’s national unity and sanctity. The games have been developed against Pakistan and the association has completely banned their sale.”

The Telegraph notes that Saleem Memon, president of the association, added, “The problem is that there are things that are against Pakistan and they have included criticism of our army. They show the country in a very poor light.”

Memon added that the games are also a danger, because children could be brainwashed by them to believe that foreign agents are at war inside their country. He added, “These games show a misleading idea of what is happening in the city.”

The controversy surrounding the games also come as the country has been accused of double dealing, as well as allowing insurgent groups to maintain havens in its border lands. Pakistan is a US ally in the war against the Taliban and al Qaeda.